Community Horticulture Hotline & Diagnostic Lab

The lab is operated by our Master Gardener with the assistance of our CCEDC Horticulture Dept. Our volunteers can help identify plants and insects, diagnose plant diseases, or identify damage caused by insects. 

Samples are accepted by appointment only. 

We do not accept any samples by mail. 

Call 845-677-8223 to set up a drop-off time.

Diagnostic results may take up to 7-10 business days.

Sample Collection:

All samples must be in a sealed plastic bag to be accepted. 

We ask that you do not enter the building with any unsealed specimens for testing.

Plants:

• Roots should be bagged separately from branches, shoots, or foliage.
• Collect samples before pesticide application for accurate diagnosis.
• Take samples from areas with early symptoms. Do not bring in dead plant material.

Insects:

WE DO NOT OFFER ID SERVICES ON BED BUGS, FLEAS, OR LICE.

• After collecting the insect sample, place it in the freezer.

Fees:

• Insect or plant identification: $20.00 per sample, CASH OR CHECK ONLY
• Diagnose plant damage/disease: $20.00 per sample, CASH OR CHECK ONLY

All samples must include the submission form and payment for analysis. We can not process samples until we have received payment in full. We accept Cash and Check. 

Click the button to download your form:

Horticulture Hotline:

Have a gardening question? We’re here to help!

The Horticulture Hotline, staffed by trained Master Gardener Volunteers, is officially open for the season. Whether you’re troubleshooting a plant problem, identifying a pest, or looking for best practices in your garden, our team is ready to provide research-based, unbiased guidance to support your success.

The Horticulture Hotline is now open for the season!

Hotline Hours:
April through September
Mondays & Wednesdays | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

During these hours, Master Gardener Volunteers are available to answer your questions and help you grow with confidence. We accept diagnostic samples by appointment only; call 845-677-8223 to schedule. This will help ensure your sample will be as fresh as possible for the lab.

How to Reach Us:
Call the hotline during open hours at 845-677-5067.
Or email your gardening questions anytime dutchessmg@cornell.edu (responses will be provided during hotline hours)

From vegetable gardens and lawns to trees, shrubs, and houseplants—no question is too big or too small. Our goal is to empower our community with reliable, science-based horticulture information.

We look forward to helping your garden thrive this season!

During the off-season (October through March), hours are by appointment only.

To reach our volunteers during the winter season, please call (845) 677-8223 ext 142 and leave a voicemail message or send an email to dutchessmg@cornell.edu. Please allow up to 10 business days for a response during off off-season. 

The CCEDC lab will not be open during inclement weather or when Horticulture Dept Staff is unavailable.

Click here for  general tips on identifying plant diseases.  These tips will help you gather the information needed before calling our hotline or emailing in with questions.

Ask Extension:

Written questions can also be submitted at Ask Extension. Look for the Ask a New Question button, then select New York from the dropdown menu, and then finally select the county closest to you. If a photograph is included, please ensure it is in focus and as close-up as possible. These questions will be answered by our Master Gardener volunteers. Please allow 7-10 days for a response.

Cornell Diagnostic Services:

More information can also be found at Cornell University Diagnostic Services:

• Cornell University Insect Diagnostic Laboratory
• Cornell University Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic

Gardening Information:

• Visit the Cornell Garden Based Learning Website to learn more about vegetables, fruits, lawns, trees, shrubs, houseplants, soil, composting and pests.
• New York State Integrated Pest Management for Communities for structural and garden pests.
• Websites for Gardeners  - many topics, including bees, nuisance wildlife, mushrooms, invasive plants, certified arborists and weed ID. 

Last updated March 31, 2026